4:28 p.m. CDT, April 6, 2011
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is “taking it to the streets.” Or at least that’s the motto behind a new pilot program aimed at combatting the negative image that some community groups have about the department.

The program is being launched next week in Chicago with the hopes of undoing stereotypes, mistrust and misinformation about the department and its agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The idea is to bring together DHS officials with immigrants, Muslims and other groups to encourage them to reach out with any questions or concerns.

“All they see is that we’re standing at the borders, searching luggage,” said Robyn Dessaure, a Homeland Security field director, said about CBP. “It’s time for us to get back on the ground.”